Coronation Street airs utterly devastating scenes as Julie Carp’s final episode airs next week.

After spending the day with her terminally ill sister, enjoying a gorgeous picnic by the lake together, Eileen Grimshaw is horrified to return from the refreshment van to find Julie unresponsive on the ground.

As she checks for a pulse, poor Eileen is heartbroken to realise that her sister is gone…

“Eileen knew this moment was coming, but she was hoping to have a bit more precious time left with her sister,” our Corrie insider reveals.

“Their final day together is just perfect… up until the point where it ends in such a tragic way. Eileen just can’t believe that Julie is gone already, her heart is completely shattered.”

Since her return to Weatherfield, Julie’s been determined to pack as much into her final few weeks as she can. She’s been thankful for the chance to spend the end of her life with her sister – and it’s clear that having Julie around again has meant the world to Eileen, too.

However, Julie’s limited time has also made Eileen think about her own life, and making the most of every moment. It’s no secret that she’s been having second thoughts about her romance with George Shuttleworth of late, a fact he’s now well aware of…

Keen to put the spark back into his relationship, and inspired by a video Julie records about the importance of love, George plans a romantic evening to prove to his beloved Eyelash just how much she means to him. Yet rather than being delighted by his thoughtful gesture, Eileen is furious.

“Eileen points out that George had agreed to take her and Julie out for a day at the lake,” our source continues. “She can’t believe he’s forgotten his promise so quickly. It’s safe to say that George is well and truly back in the bad books…”

As Eileen orders a cab to the lake instead, it’s clear that this special time together means the world to Julie, as she admits there’s nowhere she’d rather be.

Meanwhile, back at home, George stumbles upon a video Julie has recorded for Eileen – advising her to end things with him.

As the sun begins to set on their day at the lake, Julie insists that her sister head to the refreshment stall to pick up some drinks. But once she returns, Eileen is confronted with the devastating sight of her sibling lying lifeless on the floor…

“Did Julie know that her time was coming to an end, and deliberately send Eileen away so she didn’t have to witness it?” our source ponders.

“Or maybe she slipped away peacefully, knowing she’d had the best final day she could wish for with the person who means most to her in the world.”

As the devastation of Julie’s death sinks in, Eileen’s at a loss as she confronts the huge hole her sister has left in her life.

But while George frets about Julie’s final message and whether Eileen will take her words on board, is he only giving her more reason to call time on their relationship?

Or can he be the rock Eileen needs during her time of grief and prove that he really is the man for her?

Coronation Street airs Julie’s final episode on Monday 5 May on ITV1 and ITVX.